Abstract: A software plant process modeling system operates in multiple modes. The software system uses process unit models. A process unit model includes at least one equation and at least one variable. The software system sets a status of a variable in the unit model to a first state. The first state is associated with a first mode of operation. The software system then sets the status of the same variable in the unit model to a second state. The second state is associated with a second mode of operation. The software system generates an open-equation model in operating in multiple modes. The software system receives a modification to at least one process unit model. Thus, a user may create a single plant process model for operation in multiple modes.

Abstract: A software plant process modeling system creates a process flowsheet model. The software system creates at least a first unit model as part of the process flowsheet model. The software system displays at least one equation in the first unit model. The software system permits a user to display at least one equation in the first unit model. The software system further permits the user to modify the first unit model. The software system generates an open-equation model to solve the process flowsheet. Thus, a user may interactively create, modify, and solve a process flowsheet model in open-form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding encoded parameter data included within a packet containing encoded video data transmitted over an error prone channel is disclosed herein. The method contemplates determining a bit length L of the encoded parameter data. Candidate sequences of codewords are then compared to the encoded parameter data in accordance with a predetermined distortion metric. An optimized sequence is selected from the candidate sequences based upon predefined criteria related to the distortion metric. The optimized sequence collectively has a number of bits equivalent to the bit length L and is usable in decoding the encoded video data.

Abstract: An integrated cellular and cordless communication system in which cellular calls are forwarded to a landline telephone number associated with a personal base station when a subscriber terminal is determined to be within a predefined vicinity of the personal base station is described herein. Once forwarded to the personal base station via external network elements, such calls may be answered using a cordless device operative to communicate with the personal base station. Alternately, the calls may be transferred to a voice messaging module within the personal base station. When the subscriber terminal is determined to have been removed from within the vicinity of the personal base station, a message from the personal base station to the external network elements results in modification of a call forwarding address such that subsequent calls intended for the subscriber terminal are in fact routed thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying representations of tag sources representative of corresponding component devices is disclosed herein. The present system includes a tag dictionary for defining the tag sources in a predefined object-oriented format. The tag dictionary is comprised of tag definition objects, each containing information relating to a given tag source and each being associated with a tag type object. A tag browser allows for display and editing of the tag source representations in accordance with the tag definition objects. In a preferred implementation each of the representations includes information relating to a predefined set of parameters characterizing the tag sources. The tag browser also optionally includes a tag filter for causing display of those tag source representations comporting with tag selection criteria, and for suppressing display of all other tag source representations.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating data transmission between a source node and a destination node is disclosed herein. The present method contemplates monitoring system performance so as to detect when the system enters an overloaded state. Such detection may be effected by, for example, determining the extent of the time interval during which instructions are retained in a queue at the destination node awaiting execution. When this interval exceeds a maximum queuing time, the system is deemed to be in an overloaded state. Upon entry into an overloaded state, data transmission from the source node is suspended pending recovery of the system from the overloaded state. In a preferred implementation, overload probe messages are periodically inserted into a message queue at the destination node.